Riders fall on the road despite flashes of promise in Sheffield
Leicester Riders made the short trip north to the Steel City on Friday night to face B. Braun Sheffield Sharks in the Super League Basketball Championship, but a strong performance from the hosts saw Sheffield claim a 93–68 victory at the Canon Medical Arena.
It has been a challenging period for the Riders, with significant roster changes and injuries reshaping the squad. The visitors were without Molten Player of the Month and club captain Spencer Johnson, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while new signing Keddy Johnson made his debut and Mike Joiner continued his integration into the lineup.
Head Coach Rob Paternostro named a new look starting five of Flynn Boardman-Raffet, Travis Evee, Keddy Johnson, Nathaniel Martin, and Tomiwa Sulaiman whilst new signing Xaiver Bledson was ruled out due to licence approval as Riders looked to build momentum on the road.
Credit: Leicester Riders | Nathan Green
Sharks Strike Early
Keddy Johnson wasted little time making an impression on debut, linking up well with Sulaiman for an early lay-up to open the Riders’ scoring. However, Sheffield quickly responded through Ratinho, who knocked down a three-pointer before Nick Kern Jr electrified the home crowd with an alley-oop dunk to give the Sharks an early lead.
Sheffield’s intensity set the tone in the opening period, with the hosts pushing the pace and capitalising on Leicester turnovers. Sulaiman continued to battle inside for the Riders, adding a jump shot, while Johnson later produced a powerful dunk that lifted the travelling supporters.
Despite improved moments late in the quarter, including a tying lay-up from Martin, Leicester struggled to contain Sheffield’s offensive rhythm and trailed 25–15 at the end of the first.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Sharks Maintain Control
The Riders began to settle offensively in the second quarter as Mike Joiner attacked the baseline before finding Martin for a composed finish at the rim. Victor Ndoukou added a three-pointer as Leicester attempted to close the gap.
Sheffield, however, continued to assert their physical presence. Dirk Williams found his shooting rhythm, consistently punishing defensive lapses, while the Sharks’ size created problems inside the paint.
Sulaiman remained a bright spot for Leicester, using his strength to secure rebounds and second-chance opportunities. Although foul trouble began to mount for Sheffield’s key players, including Williams and Mike Ochereobia, the hosts retained control.
A strong closing stretch saw Sheffield head into halftime with a 42–32 advantage, leaving the Riders needing a strong second-half response.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Sharks Pull Away
Boardman-Raffet opened the second half with a tip-in finish as the Riders searched for momentum, but Sheffield quickly answered through Prentiss Nixon, who drained a three from the wing.
Riders showed flashes of offensive cohesion, with Sulaiman and Boardman-Raffet combining for a well-worked triple and Evee creating opportunities in transition. However, foul trouble became an issue as Evee picked up his fourth personal foul early in the quarter.
While the Riders continued to find baskets, Sheffield’s efficiency around the rim led by Fahro Alihodzic and the increasingly influential Kern Jr allowed the Sharks to extend their lead.
A slick passing sequence involving Evee and Martin set up Boardman-Raffet for a reverse lay-up, but Sheffield’s consistent scoring ensured they entered the final quarter firmly in control, leading 66–52.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Riders Battle but Sharks Close Strong
Riders opened the fourth with renewed energy as Evee knocked down a deep three-pointer to spark hopes of a comeback. Boardman-Raffet added defensive intensity, forcing turnovers, while Joiner contributed from the free-throw line to keep the Riders within touching distance.
Martin battled hard on the boards and Aaron Menzies added defensive pressure, helping Riders generate extra possessions. Boardman-Raffet’s floating jumper cut the deficit further, briefly energising the Riders’ push.
However, Sheffield responded at key moments. Dirk Williams continued to prove a constant offensive threat, knocking down timely shots that halted Leicester’s momentum, while Kern Jr added another impressive finish at the rim.
Despite late scoring efforts including a three from Seth Wylie and continued attacking play from Joiner the Riders were unable to close the gap as Sheffield managed the closing stages effectively.
The Sharks secured a 93–68 victory, handing the Riders a difficult road defeat.
Credit: Leicester Riders Media
Looking Ahead
While the Riders showed moments of promise, particularly through the integration of new additions and continued effort across the roster, Sheffield’s consistency and shooting proved decisive.
Leicester will now look to regroup quickly as attention turns to Sunday’s home fixture against the Bristol Flyers at the Mattioli Arena, where Paternostro’s side will aim to bounce back in front of their home supporters.
